The trade has expressed fears over the size of any proposed hike in licence costs and being the target once again of Government action.

Home Secretary Theresa May today outlined her proposals for an overhaul of the licensing regime, which included a licence fee hike, giving residents more powers of objection and allowing authorities to raise concerns over public health consequences.

Licensing expert Peter Coulson said a rise in licensing fee costs would cause deep concern to the trade. “The Local Government Association has been complaining from the start of the new licensing laws (in 2005) that the fees do not cover their costs.

“But the fees are already pretty high and any increase would cause uproar in the trade, especially at the moment in the current difficult trading environment.”

Article taken from The Morning Advertisor – Read more